In this article, we will discuss how to put on a wig cap properly.
When you choose to try something new or decide to show off your new look, you would want to be confident and comfortable right? Before slipping on that new wig, make sure you create the proper foundation with your hair.
Wig caps are vital because they protect the scalp from irritation and inflammation while making wigs feel more comfortable. Wig caps are essential when wearing wigs, especially for those with sensitive scalps or people suffering from hair loss.
My name is Brandi and I am a hairstylist. I have over 20 years of hair care experience and am very knowledgeable on wig caps and proper hair care under wigs. I will use my vast knowledge to help you understand how to put on a wig cap and decide whether to use wig caps or not.
In this article, I will provide you with many tips to successfully put on a wig cap safely and effectively. Instead of worrying about tucking in your hair, put on a wig cap, forget about your hair, put on your favorite wig, and just have fun!
Keep reading to learn more!
How to Put on a Wig Cap
Putting on a wig cap is the easy part, putting it on properly and effectively is the hard part. Here are some steps to help you succeed!
Step 1. Prep Natural Hair to go Under the Wig Cap
Prepping your natural hair before you put it under a wig or wig cap is very important. Prepping is important because you want to make sure your hair stays healthy and damage-free. Also, you want to have a natural look and feel.
There are a few ways to prep your hair depending on hair type and length. Depending on the length, there are multiple ways to prep your hair under the wig.
If you have really short hair, you can apply gel to your hair and slick it down.
You can slick your hair down with a brush or comb and tie it down with a scarf to set your hair and help it to lay flat.
Tip: make sure you even apply the gel to strands of your hair with your fingers or a comb.
If you don’t have gel, you can wet your hair and slick it down, but make sure the ends are not dripping wet, just damp.
If your hair is long enough to braid, it’s best to cornrow your hair so it won’t be visible under the wig. The smaller the braids, the flatter they will be against yor scalp. You can use rubber bands to keep the braids from unraveling. You want your hair to be a flat as possible.
If your hair is really long, split your hair in half, braid each side and pin the braids up crisscrossed with bobby pins. However, if your hair is really thick, you’d want to do a few more braids and then pin your hair down.
Tip: If your hair is hard to manage and tangle a lot, try using some detangling spray to help make the braiding process easier.
If your hair is fine, thin or shoulder length, you can put your hair in a low bun at the nape of your neck and secure it with bobby pins. To make it lay flatter, you can put your hair in two low buns and then secure them with bobby pins.
Step 2: Protect Your Skin and Scalp
Protecting your skin and scalp is highly recommended. There are a lot of people who suffer from sensitive skin or sensitivity to materials. Therefore, protecting your skin and scalp can reduce scarring, inflammation, and irritation.
Cleansing and protecting the skin also allows the wig cap and wig to not slip or created a receding hairline effect. Scalp protectant provides a protective barrier from tapes and adhesives.
Use a cotton round or ball to cleanse your skin around your hairline, to remove excess oils and impurities. This helps the wig adhesive to stick better to your hairline, which also reduces the chances of the wig and cap slipping off.
Next, use a scalp protector (spray, gel, or cream) to the areas around your scalp.
Wig caps can be itchy and scalp protectants can fights against scalp irritation, especially for those with sensitive skin.
If using scalp protectant spray, spray all overhead and allow for 20-30 minutes to dry before putting on a wig cap.
If you do not have hair, remember to always prep and protect your skin. Also, never apply scalp protectants to irritated skin.
Step 3: Put on the Wig Cap
Wig caps come in either nets or nylon caps. Net caps are great because they let your scalp breathe a little more. However, they are not ideal for lace front wigs because they usually come in black and nobody has black scalps.
Wig caps come in black or nude and can be bought at a beauty supply, online retailer, or costume shop.
Nylon wig caps are great because they can be colored with makeup to mimic your scalp skin tone to look more natural. Nylon caps also come in various colors. When choosing a wig cap, choose one that matches your hair or skin tone.
Here are the detailed steps to put on a wig cap:
First, line up the wig cap with your hairline. If your hairline is uneven, align it with the lowest part of your hairline to cover up all your hair.
Next, while using one hand to hold the front of the wig cap at your hairline, use your other hand to take the wig cap and gently stretch it over your hair, stopping at the base of your neck.
Once the cap is covering your hair, take the sides and tuck them behind your ears. Make sure all your hair is securely tucked underneath the cap.
Lastly, secure the wig cap with bobby pins around the outer edges of your hairline. If your hair is thick use double the number of bobby pins. You can also use snap clips for more security and slip prevention.
For added anti-slip protection, you can also secure the wig cap with bonding strips.
Tips:
- Some wig caps come with lace closures in the front. If using this type of wig cap be sure to align it at least about an 1/2 inch away from your hairline. In doing so, this will prevent the wig cap from showing when you put the wig on.
- When selecting wig caps, stay away from the cotton ones. The cotton wig caps can dry out your natural hair and cause breakage by taking the moisture out of your real hair.
- Wigs can be worn without a wig cap but it is harder to make your natural hair unnoticeable and most likely than not your hair can fall out of the wig.
The Bottom Line
For those who are new to wearing wigs, the art of putting on a wig cap properly is an essential skill to master. Having your hair undetectable and a natural-looking wig solely depends on how you prep and style your hair.
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